XR8 is a hit before it hits the road

KIWI, AUSSIE BUYERS CLAMOUR FOR BLUE OVAL’S ‘BRUTAL’ NEW FALCON

Ford Australia will more than double its planned production run for the brutal new Falcon XR8, thanks to buyer interest on both sides of the Tasman.

Initially expecting to produce about 1200 units, Ford says its Broadmeadows plant in Melbourne is now on track to crank out 2800 of these “future classics” before it closes, likely in late 2016.

Given total Falcon sales across all variants are averaging fewer than 500 units per month over January-February, it’s obvious that the XR8 is making up a high ratio of FG X sales.

“We have been buoyed by the amazing customer interest and demand for the XR8,” said Ford general marketing manager David Katic. “It’s been a runaway success and our dealers have been asking for more. As a result we’ve been working closely with our key stakeholders to find a way of increasing production, which we can now confirm.”

The XR8 sedan — which in FG X guise marked the return of a dormant nameplate as a last hurrah for the Falcon — is powered by a 5-litre supercharged 32-valve V8 with 335 kW at 5750rpm and 570Nm at 2200-5500rpm.

It features a range of upgrades across the vehicle.

Ford New Zealand also has had increased buyer interest for the XR8.

“Our dealers are very excited about the car and customers are excited about the return of the XR8,” said Ford NZ’s spokesman, Tom Clancy.

$48,990

3,090km

The FG X Falcon is the most technologically advanced and intuitive Falcon ever made. With state of the art connectivity features, an innovative and instinctive colour touch screen, and cleverly laid o...

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